Oklahoma Kid: At A Glance

Thursday

Who: The Oklahoma Kid, also known as Marty Tipton, is a fourth generation trick roper from Cheyenne, Okla.

The Oklahoma Kid says he is a full blooded cowboy, Cherokee-American cowboy, comedian humorist, social commentator, vaudeville performer."

He traces his family back to Will Rogers. Rogers and Tipton's great-great grandmother, Della McSpadden were cousins.

Something to Know: The Oklahoma Kid learned about Rogers exploits, sitting with his great-grandmother. She would read the Kid letters, sent to her by Rogers, highlighting various trips and adventures.

What He Does: The Oklahoma Kid began performing as a young child. He performs a variety of tricks including the Texas Skip, Wedding Ring Trick and the Butterfly. He uses as little as three inches of rope, to 100 feet, during his tricks.

Why He Does it: "I was born into it," The Oklahoma Kid says with a laugh. "I've been trained and taught, since birth, to use a rope." He believes part of his identity is to carry on the heritage of his family, though his pursuit of trick roping. "It's my family's heritage."

What's Next: The Oklahoma Kid and his wife, Jill, have two daughters, Bella, 5, and Bristel, 3. Bella is already learning how to be a trick roper and often steps out on stage with her dad, he said, stealing the show.

"I rope because I love to rope. I love to do the tricks in front of an audience and see them smile or laugh," - The Oklahoma Kid.

The Oklahoma Kid will perform at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, while riding in the Pelican Festival Parade. He will also take center stage at the civic center, at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

For more information, persons interested may visit http://theoklahomakid.com

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